Archive · 9 Oct 2026
PERM Suspension for Major IT Firms Draws Criticism
The article says the U.S. government paused a process that can help skilled foreign workers get permanent residency.
Several big technology companies, including Microsoft and Infosys, are named.
This could affect workers whose employers are helping them apply for green cards.
The article also discusses other U.S. rules and proposals involving work visas and India.
Vice President JD Vance says companies should hire American workers and accuses some firms of misusing visa rules.
The companies, according to the article, rejected those accusations.
The author argues that the policies unfairly target Indians, but that is the article’s interpretation.
The article also describes disputes over U.S. tariffs on India and its purchases of Russian oil.
The article reports a suspension of PERM processing for major IT companies.
Companies named include Microsoft, Adobe, Capgemini, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL and Cognizant.
PERM is described as a key step toward permanent residency for sponsored skilled foreign workers.
JD Vance said companies should hire Americans and accused IT firms of abusing visa rules; the firms reportedly rejected the allegations.
The article links the suspension to wider immigration and trade disputes involving the Trump administration and India, while presenting anti-Indian bias as the author’s interpretation.
- Who
- The Trump administration; major IT companies including Microsoft, Adobe, Capgemini, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL and Cognizant; and foreign workers seeking permanent residency.
- What
- The article reports that the administration suspended PERM processing for major IT companies and discusses other immigration and trade measures affecting India and Indian workers.
- When
- The article does not give a specific date for the PERM suspension; it refers to other events as occurring in April and last month.
- Where
- The United States, with effects discussed in relation to Indian workers and India.
- Why
- The article says the administration presents its worker policies as protecting American workers; its author argues that the measures also serve political appeals and target Indians.
Administration’s stated position
Critics’ view
Hiring and visa programs
Administration’s stated position
The article quotes Vice President JD Vance saying companies should hire American workers and accusing IT firms of abusing the visa system and prioritising foreign workers.
Critics’ view
The article says the companies rejected those allegations and argues that suspending PERM processing could disrupt green-card plans for skilled foreign workers, including many Indians.
Purpose of the policy
Administration’s stated position
The article presents the administration’s position as a drive to protect American workers and tighten scrutiny of foreign-worker programs.
Critics’ view
The article’s author argues that the measures reflect anti-Indian and anti-Hindu prejudice and political appeals to parts of the MAGA base; this interpretation is not independently substantiated in the article.
Pressure over Russian oil
Administration’s stated position
The article quotes JD Vance saying tariffs on India are intended to make it harder for Russia to profit from oil and to push Russia toward negotiations.
Critics’ view
The article argues that the tariffs unfairly pressured India over its Russian oil purchases and says India was treated differently from China and European countries.
- Program affected
- Permanent Labor Certification (PERM), described as a step toward permanent residency for skilled foreign workers.
- Companies named
- Microsoft, Adobe, Capgemini, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL and Cognizant.
- Workers potentially affected
- Skilled foreign workers whose employers sponsor or were preparing to sponsor green-card applications.
- Other visa measures discussed
- The article cites a proposed $100,000 H-1B visa charge, changes to the visa lottery, and increased fees, audits and scrutiny.
- Tariffs on India discussed
- The article says tariffs reached 50%, including a 25% charge linked to Russian oil purchases, and were later reduced to 18% after a bilateral agreement.
- Article’s framing
- The article criticizes the administration’s policies and characterizes them as anti-Indian; that characterization is the author’s argument.